Firefighters contain Blackstone Dr fire, monitor overnight in Lehigh; Richmond Ave fire extinguished

Reporter: Anika Henanger
Published: Updated:
Credit: Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District..

Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District responded to the scene of two separate brush fires Thursday. One fire was extinguished, and the other has been contained and continued to be monitored through the night.

According to the fire department, firefighters were at the scene of a brush fire on Blackstone Drive near State Road 82. At on point, the fire was active over about 30 acres on Blackstone Dr. in the area of Lochmann Drive to SR-82.

Firefighters continue to monitor the scene on Blackstone Dr. to make sure it does not flare up again. They say conditions are right for it to move quickly if it sparks up again.

Lehigh fire department told us a large part of the fire was spread across a very dry field area. There are some fence posts that were burned, and smoke could still be seen hours after containment.

“It’s so dry, no rain,” said Rob Marzzacco, a retired fire chief.

The fire burning off Blackstone Dr. Thursday caught the attention of Marzzacco, who happened to be driving by the scene.

“Oh, it just brings back a lot of memories of when it was doing it for 27 years,” Marzzacco said.

Firefighters had to deal with the fire and windy conditions near homes but were able to keep them safe and neighbors, with no major damages or injuries.

“All of our fire districts right now in Lee County are in an active burn ban,” said Katie Heck with the fire district. “And people are still at home, so this is a great time to keep preparing your home for a brush fire.”

Florida Forest Service also responded to the scenes of the fires, including a forestry helicopter unit, four bulldozers and a fixed-wing plane.

Lehigh fire said  crews were soaking each active spot.

According to the fire department’s tweet, crews also put out a fire on Richmond Avenue North near the intersection with E 17th Street in Lehigh Acres Thursday. The fire department said the fire was active near homes before it was put out, and there were no reported damages or injuries due to the flames.

That fire is under investigation.

Fire trucks from that scene eventually headed to help crews fighting the fire on Blackstone Drive.

Fire departments are asking community members to take every precaution, so properties stay fire free.

“It’s so important because we’re right in the heart of brush fire season,” Heck said.

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